new stem problem

I tried searching for this and got nothing too helpful. So I just installed a new stem on my bike, and I think it's too tight. Not sure though. Because I can loosen the headset a lot and it'll still have that "tight" feel. Like when I lift my front wheel off the ground the fork won't really move, and that's after loosening the headset....what's going on here?

#2: Give us a little more info on what you are dealing with... 1" or 1-1/8"? Threaded or threadless? I am guessing that it is threadless because a threaded stem in no way effects the headset tension however these basics will allow us to offer some advice that might actually be helpful so the more you can tell us the better.

Also, remember that when you are adjusting the tension of a threadless headset you must loosen the stem bolts otherwise loosening/tightening the adjuster bolt will not make any difference...

I think he has a threaded fork which would explain how he loosened the headset. I think what you may want to do is take the stem off and see if the fork moves freely without the new stem. If it doesn't move freely you may just need to overhaul the headset and grease it up cause I don't believe no matter how tight your stem is that it would bind the fork.

If it is a threadless aheadset check if it has a small wedgering between the steerer and toprace.Those will keep the tension the same ,even if you loosen the stem and topbolt.A gentle tap on the top should free it up to make adjustments.

Build your own, I think you are probably on the right track. The OP started another new thread for the problem called "Sorry I wasn't clear" for some reason and it is definitely a threadless setup... you might have a look there... He posted a pic but its not working for me...